His Majesty King Charles III has approved the award of an Honorary MBE to Miss Kay Yamada in recognition of her services to British horticulture and gardening culture in Japan.
Miss Kay Yamada is a horticulturalist, garden designer and part owner of Barakura English Garden in Nagano Prefecture - the first English-style garden in Japan. She has spent more than three decades championing the ethos of British horticulture in Japan. Through her educational work, professional links with leading UK horticultural institutions, and her commitment to sustainability and biodiversity, she has introduced British gardening techniques and design aesthetics to thousands of enthusiasts in Japan. Her efforts have strengthened cultural ties between the UK and Japan and promoted values of community, inclusion, and environmental stewardship.
As founder of the Kay Yamada Gardening School and organiser of the annual Barakura Flower Show, Miss Yamada has created platforms for knowledge exchange, hosting experts from the Royal Horticultural Society and other leading UK organisations. Her work continues to inspire future generations and reflects the very best traditions of British gardening and cultural exchange.
